Stories of Restoration
A Burden Eased
We are frequently struck by the situations we experience through those who come to us for help. Still, some humble us to our core. Such was the case of Diana who alone cares for three family members all of whom are wheelchair bound. Ms. Margaret Kenerly, MSW, MWHC, knew of us and submitted an application for a much needed ramp.
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Diana’s husband, Chauncey, 83, had served in the Air Force as a member of flight crew operations prepping aircraft for their next missions. After his service, he worked for Goodwill in DC as a VP of Contracts that included the Pentagon until he retired. In August of 2020, Chauncey suffered four strokes that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to get out of bed without assistance.​
​In 2002, Charles, Diana’s son, was involved in a serious auto accident that resulted in the amputation of both legs. Still his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to start a business, which he operated until the difficulty of his loss opened the door to depression and he returned home. Diana’s daughter, Dana, is also wheelchair bound unable to speak or walk. Though the incidence is extremely rare, Dana suffered a seizure almost immediately after receiving a DPT vaccination. Later she was diagnosed with encephalopathy and remains child-like now in her adult years.
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Diana retired as an administrative assistant in 1991 to care for her mother, only working part time afterward. But when Dana came to live with her from a healthcare facility, she had to stop working and has had to rely on social services to make it all work.
“SAWs to me is just a God sent organization. I’m the only one taking care of all three of them and it’s really a blessing to me.”
A team of 10 SAWs Virginia volunteers made short work of the ramp at the front door. “They were so professional. God is alive and people do care,” Diana exclaimed. The team at disAbility Resource Center is researching other resources that can be brought to bear on this family’s plight.
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“It has relieved me of the weight that I carry. To all the people who put aside a day to help me, thank you so much! I will always sing your praises.”
Aiden is on a Roll!
Aiden was a 13-year-old young man with Spinal Muscle Atrophy, a rare genetic neuromuscular disease that affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement, that has left him bound to his motorized wheelchair. His parents had purchased the longest metal ramp they could afford. But with a 21-inch drop to the driveway, it was far too short. Aiden would go down the ramp backwards constantly getting stuck in the muddy yard. The steepness of the ramp made getting him back into the house very difficult.
In a matter of hours, SAWs Virginia volunteers were able to give Aiden and his family a measure of freedom they had struggled to achieve. “It’s not a hazard anymore him coming in and out of the house. He can go up and down by himself,” said Gilda, Aiden’s mother and a firefighter. Aiden and his sister watched with anticipation from the kitchen window as the ramp came together. And when it was complete, he had no hesitation to give it a try.
You have completely changed his independence.
“He’s even started going on little walks by himself,” Gilda shared. When asked how his mood has been since receiving his ramp, “He’s been doing a lot better,” she chuckled. “You built a platform in the middle and he likes to go sit there and just soak up the sun.” Reflecting on how their lives have changed, Gilda commented, “There’s a lot of pressure on caregivers and family to do whatever they can. It’s a blessing when you find other people who try to help lessen the weight on your shoulders and make such an impact on your child’s life, on our life. It’s amazing. What you guys did was a blessing.”
Our thanks to The Community Foundation and our many volunteers for making this reconnection possible.
Hurricane Delta Drizzled but the Work Went On
As the remnants of hurricane Delta drifted overhead, staff members from SimVentions gathered to change the lives of Mark and Dorothy. Dorothy had suffered multiple strokes while recovering from heart surgery. The damage was severe leaving her practically bedridden. Mark retired after his leg was crushed while clearing debris at Quantico following a major storm. The seven steps at the end of the porch became an impassable barrier for Dorothy and Mark’s ability to assist. They had exhausted their Medicare resource for transport services and, when friends were not available, Dorothy would miss her medical appointments. Calling 911 would get her there but not on time and not back home again. Mark was out of options.
A light rain fell as the SimVentions team moved the ramp components into position and assembled them under the direction of SAWs Virginia Project Managers. This was one of the service projects the company was engaged in that day to support the community. SimVentions is a defense contractor, headquartered in Fredericksburg, that delivers innovative engineering and technology services to equip the US Warfighter. SimVentions is not only committed to excellence in their work, but to serving the community as well. The company believes it is an honor and a responsibility to use their time and talents to serve in both the business and public sector, which it does through local fundraising events as well as international missions and service projects. Larry Root, CEO of SimVentions, said, “It’s an honor to be here working alongside SAWs and their organization to lend a helping hand to our neighbor. We’re just very thankful to be able to do that.”
Though the work site became muddy, the team plodded on with no regard. In five hours, it was done.
“I was so blessed and blown away by the impact we were able to make for this couple in such a simple way. SAWs did an amazing job of preparing everything and we got the blessing of being able to show up, build, and benefiting. I know this made a huge impact on the recipient, but has made a lasting impact on me as well,” said Matt Wilson. Homer Lewter added, “I was impressed with the modular design of the ramps and the level of effort that went into planning for the site. They led to a well-orchestrated build and an excellent final product.” “I really loved to see how much joy and relief building this ramp gave the homeowner. I feel blessed to have been a part of this!” Shirley Miller noted. Lindsey Biggs, who coordinated the event commented, “It was truly a blessing to see firsthand how this ramp changed the homeowners’ lives! I look forward to continuing to partner and work with SAWs Virginia!”
From the ramp, Mark gave the team an emotional message of thanks which touched everyone. “I don’t have words enough to say to folks other than God bless you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for these people who sacrificed their day, their time for us.”